Arthur And Teddy Are Coming Out | Ryan Love
This story is about love, life and finding happiness… and discovering it’s never too late to be “you”
What a heartfelt story. I so enjoyed meeting and getting to know Arthur and Teddy. There’s a slightly young adult tone to the style that I think gives the book universal appeal.
However, just because it’s highly accessible and readable with plenty of dialogue that makes the plot zip along, don’t for one moment think that Arthur and Teddy are Coming Out is lightweight. There are themes of family and friendship, societal attitudes, ambition, relationships and identity that swirl through this engaging story. Without spoiling the plot, alongside the main narrative of coming to terms with sexuality, there are deeper issues such as mental health that are dealt with here in ways that might pull up readers in shock. The story is occasionally very affecting as well as entertaining, particularly when characters change and develop.
“Bravery and contentment are possible for everyone…”
Alongside this depth there’s a lightness of touch too as Ryan Love has his characters create memories through simple moments and pleasures, as well as through the larger events, making the narrative feel familiar and real. In Arthur and Teddy are Coming Out we learn that life is made of these quiet, ordinary moments just as much as the dramatic occasions. Ryan Love exemplifies how bravery and contentment are possible for everyone, but that we might just need to make the effort to find happiness for ourselves.
Teddy is an insightful study of self-doubt and self-sabotage as he struggles to find the right moment to come out as gay. His habit of putting himself down and avoiding taking risks is one so many readers will recognise and it’s his development over the course of the story that is so engaging. His need for approbation from Elizabeth is heartbreaking at times.
Arthur is an absolute inspiration…
He shows that life begins at whatever age the individual chooses; that we are responsible for our own happiness and that being old doesn’t mean that life is over.
The other characters add real texture. It’s so hard to judge Ben accurately, making him fascinating, and Madeleine is a complete joy. I loved the way Shakeel’s presence bubbles along so that he helps define Teddy in the reader’s mind.
I really enjoyed Arthur and Teddy are Coming Out. In a sense, it is both central to the story, and totally irrelevant that Arthur and Teddy are gay, because this is a story about love, life and being true to yourself that is pertinent to every reader, regardless of their sexuality or age. It’s a book that might just encourage readers to be brave in the face of adversity. Read it and see if you agree!
Arthur And Teddy Are Coming Out by Ryan Love (HQ, HB £14.99) is available now from Amazon.
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